The Queen

Chapter 8

   Victoria was conflicted. She was being led to the throne room where she would be formally introduced to the court of Vreur as their future Queen .She was quite nervous but that wasn't the main cause of the inner confliction  she was now experiencing . Her late night visitor bore heavily on her mind. Last night, She has fallen into a light slumber immediately Heidi left the room due exhaustion and was finally starting to feel good when she heard a knock. Due to the fact that she was partially asleep and unaccustomed to her environment she assumed she was still at chateau de Bordeaux so she simply invited her guest in without bothering to find out who was knocking. Unfortunately, her door happened to be unlocked and when she finally opened her eyes and realized where she was she hoped it was Heidi but her hoped where she turned around and beheld a familiar.
" You... What are you doing here" she said her emotions quickly moving from stun to fear.
" There's no need to be scared" this strange character said taking a seat he hadn't been offered.
" That doesn't answer my question" Victoria said quickly growing conscious of her surrounding should the need to arise to escape.
" Well, you asked the wrong question not what but who should be your question. I am Yoren Morgen Tsala, King of Vreur and your future husband"
  Victoria was too tired to be shocked any further. All the way from Carveiq till now all she'd had were shocking and exhausting experiences. Taking a seat opposite him she said
" Is it a habit for Vreurians to make formal introductions by midnight or is this your personal habit" she hoped that her comments and tone would make him leave but this king didn't humour her.
" No it isn't. I felt this was necessary since our previous meeting wasn't exactly a formal introduction, i don't want you making at court tomorrow"
"You mean you concealed your identity on purpose"
"I'm not the one who went around pretending to be married to my aide"
" It was for my safety".
" And there's nothing between you two"
"No and even if there was what's it to you"
" I don't care what affairs you had or who you had them with before you came here but I want you to know that all that ended the moment you arrived here. You belong to me now and you'll do well to behave properly"
" I'm not some object and I don't belong to anyone.. This marriage is one of convenience for the benefit of both countries and you will treat me with respect." Victoria said becoming annoyed       "You are quite naive if you believe that, I still don't see what Vreuer stands to gain from this union but don't be deceived, to you  this may be a marriage of convenience or mutual benefit but to me you are merely a hostage to keep Carveiq in check"                                                                                        "if you wanted a hostage why did you choose me instead of any other lady of repute"                          "Well my mother chose you not me and your family is probably the greatest in Carveiq. In any case I  just wanted to let you know your place. I run the palace with a very stable system and I wont have you disrupting it with any scandalous behaviours . Behave yourself and you won't have a hard time living here" with that he left the room while she tried to figure out if he had just threatened her or she was misunderstanding.

      The doors leading into the throne room flew open distorting her train of thoughts. She felt a sinking sensation in her gut as she walked down the inconveniently long aisle while simultaneously being scrutinized and judged by the crowd she looked forward, locking eyes with him but she refused to hold his gaze instead focusing on the Queen's smiling face.
She finally arrived in front of the throne while The king took her hands and made a show of introducing her to the court while Victoria stood there hoping that her discomfort wasn't obvious to everyone else in the room.
The formal introduction now concluded she hurriedly took her place beside  the Queen. Lord Timothee came out next to present the tribute sent by Carveiq to Yoren and the court continued its session.
  The Queen took Victoria again once more giving her a tour if the palace which was a lot larger than she had estimated before they finally settled down at the Garden for afternoon tea.
    Queen Freya sent the maids away before she said what had been on her mind since the morning session.
" Victoria dear, can I ask you something" she began carefully.
" Of course" Victoria replied not certain where this was going.
" That Envoy, lord Tim...I hate to say this but what's your relationship with him"
Victoria realized that the queen was very emotionally aware and she was quite embarrassed to have been caught like this
" Nothing out of the ordinary your Grace, he is my childhood playmate and my aid " she said trying not to feel guilty by telling herself that they didn't have any other relationship after all Tim had stated that fact clearly.
" I don't want you to feel, uncomfortable or anything but I must warn you. The palace is a beautiful place but it is just as dangerous. There are people who will do anything to destroy you so you must be careful" she said in a motherly tone.
"Of course" Victoria replied whilst scolding herself internally for being indiscreet.
The Queen countenance suddenly began to darken and Victoria was scared that she had offended her but the Queen said
"Victoria dear, here comes one of the dangerous people I mentioned"
Victoria slightly to see the most beautiful woman she had ever come across. The lady had gorgeous read hair and was absolutely stunning but something about her made Victoria uncomfortably.
" Your Grace , my lady" the lady said curtsying slightly to  the Queen and Victoria.
Not bothering to acknowledge to the greeting Queen Freya snapped
"Haven't I asked you to refrain from appearing before me. What are you doing here"
"Your Grace, I didn't mean to offend you I just thought I'd introduce my self to the Lady"
"You are too insignificant to be having such thoughts don't you dare appear before me or Lady Victoria again" her irritation soaring to greater heights she turned to Victoria saying
" Let's go my dear, there is much  to be done in preparation for your wedding " queen Freya said to the hearing of Maeve in the hope of spiting her.
    Victoria was shocked by the Queen dowager's reaction to that lady and When they arrived at the Queen's quarters she finally asked the question that had been on her mind
" Freya, who was that lady"
" Oh my dear, I'm sorry you had to see me like that. That witch is Maeve, she is quite unfortunately my son's mistress and your competition. She may look quite nice and maybe a little dumb but that's all it is- a look- she's a conniving and manipulating witch. How else did she enchant my son. My dear you will do quite well if you avoid her" the queen said
"Now, now don't worry about her there much to be done in preparation for the wedding"